Constipation in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

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What is constipation?

Constipation means your child has hard, dry bowel movements or goes longer than usual in between bowel movements.

What causes constipation?

• New foods in your child's diet
• Not going to the bathroom often enough
• Too much milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, or other milk products
• Not eating enough high-fiber foods
• Not drinking enough liquids each day
• Emotional issues that cause him or her to be tense

What are the signs and symptoms of constipation?

• Fewer than 3 bowel movements in 1 week
• Pain or crying during the bowel movement
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea or full feeling
• Liquid or solid bowel movement in your child's underwear
• Blood on the toilet paper or bowel movement

How is constipation diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's bowel movements and examine him or her. Your child's provider may take a sample of bowel movement from your child's rectum. Your child may need an x-ray of his or her abdomen. This will help your child's provider see if your child has constipation.

How is constipation treated?

Medicines can help your child have a bowel movement more easily. Medicines may increase moisture in your child's bowel movement or increase the motion of his or her intestines.

• A suppository may be used to help soften your child's bowel movements. This may make them easier to pass. A suppository is guided into your child's rectum through his or her anus.
• Laxatives may help relax and loosen your child's intestines to help him or her have a bowel movement. Your child's healthcare provider can tell you the best laxative for your child. Use a laxative made specifically for your child's age and symptoms. Adult laxatives may be too strong for your child. Your provider may recommend your child only use laxatives for a short time. Long-term use can damage your child's bowel function over time.
• An enema is liquid medicine used to clear bowel movement from your child's rectum. The medicine is put into your child's rectum through his or her anus.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• MiraLAX
• Colace
• docusate
• Dulcolax
• Dulcolax Stool Softener

View more treatment options

How can I help my child prevent constipation?

• Give your child liquids as directed. Liquids help keep your child's bowel movements soft. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him or her. Your child may need to drink more liquids than usual. Limit sports drinks, soda, and other drinks that contain caffeine.
• Feed your child a variety of high-fiber foods. This may help decrease constipation by adding bulk and softness to your child's bowel movements. High-fiber foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and beans. Depending on your child's age, his or her provider may also recommend a fiber supplement.
• Help your child be active. Regular physical activity can help stimulate your child's intestines. Ask about the best exercise plan for your child.
• Set up a regular time each day for your child to have a bowel movement. This may help train your child's body to have regular bowel movements. Have him or her to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes. Do this even if he or she does not have a bowel movement. Do not pressure your young child to have a bowel movement.
• Give your child a warm bath. A warm bath at least 1 time each day can help relax his or her rectum. This can make it easier for him or her to have a bowel movement.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You see blood in your child's diaper or bowel movement.
• Your child's abdomen is swollen.
• Your child does not want to eat or drink.
• Your child has severe abdominal or rectal pain.
• Your child is vomiting.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• Your child does not have regular bowel movements, even after treatment.
• It has been longer than usual between your child's bowel movements.
• Your child has an upset stomach.
• You have any questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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